Israel mourns Shiri Bibas and her two young sons

Israelis mourned Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, during their funeral on February 26, 2025. The family was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and their remains were returned to Israel last week as part of a ceasefire agreement. The funeral procession drew tens of thousands of mourners, reflecting the deep grief felt across the nation. Shiri's husband, Yarden Bibas, who was released in a separate handover, expressed sorrow for not being able to protect his family. The Bibas family's story has become a symbol of loss in Israel, with their ordeal resonating widely. The return of their remains followed a complex situation involving forensic identification and a controversial ceasefire deal.